During Dr. Charles B. Reed’s tenure as chancellor of the California State University, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to serving the needs of all students. Under his leadership, he has reached out to underrepresented communities and stressed the importance of higher education through initiatives, such as Super Sunday. He has helped military veterans transition from soldiers to students by spearheading programs like Troops to College and the CSU Veterans Admissions Program. Dr. Reed has worked to increase the number of individuals proficient in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields by establishing programs and degrees that enhance the skills of these professionals. By working with student leader groups, he has been an advocate for students having a shared role in university governance.

For more than 14 years, Chancellor Reed has helped over a million CSU students earn a higher education. Below are some of the stories of students whose lives have been transformed by the initiatives and programs that he has championed. More.

Strengthening the Student Voice

The California State Student Association has worked closely with Chancellor Reed to develop a meaningful and active student role in policy-making and governance. In doing so, the Chancellor has met with hundreds of CSU student leaders throughout the years. More.

Opening Doors to College

After graduating from high school, Kiara Cummings knew she wanted to go to college—she just wasn’t exactly sure how it was going to happen. As a high school grad unsure about her future, Cummings attended a church service that she says opened the doors to college. Now a CSU Dominguez Hills student set to graduate this May, she says that her academic success all started that day at a Super Sunday service. More.

Easing the Transition from Soldier to Student

“The CSU is working hard to be more than just veteran friendly. We want to help veterans be successful in achieving their educational goals.”— CSU Chancellor Charles B. Reed

Throughout Chancellor Charles B. Reed’s tenure at the California State University, he has spearheaded numerous programs that ease the transition from soldier to student. Reaching out to military branches to help recruit student veterans, providing more services for veterans at the 23 CSU campuses and creating a seamless pathway to a productive career following military service have all been priorities under his leadership. More.

*Hear more about what Chancellor Reed has done for student veterans in this audio clip of San Diego State alumnus Peter Salas speaking about his military career during the November 2012 Board of Trustees meeting.

Educating Future Teachers

Arturo Avila is a first-generation college grad with a degree in civil engineering. Kyla BradyLong earned her bachelor’s in chemistry. Although from very different backgrounds, both share the love of science. So much, in fact, they have both decided to become science teachers.

Thanks to initiatives launched by Chancellor Reed, more of California’s brightest scientists like Cal Poly San Luis Obispo teacher credential students Avila and BradyLong are pursuing careers in teaching. More.

Helping Double CSU's Endowment

Under Chancellor Reed’s leadership, the California State University’s endowment increased 200 percent from $339 million to $1.02 billion. Endowment dollars per full-time equivalent student more than doubled from $1,263 to $2,845.

Chancellor Reed oversaw almost $3.6 billion in gift receipts to the CSU—an average of $240 million per year. Of this, nearly $200 million was raised for student scholarships, over $691 million for academic enrichment, and $113 million for research. More.